Rice, sugar harvesting resume as weather holds

The capacity of the country’s drainage system to offset any potential disaster during the current La Nina conditions when rainfall levels were very high is the reward of the significant investment by Government in the drainage and irrigation system.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, yesterday, at a press conference at his Ministry made this observation while noting the trend of increasing rainfall.
In addition to heavy investments in the country’s drainage system, people’s awareness has increased and stakeholders have begun to recognise the importance of taking the necessary steps to deal with the issue of climate change.
However, more needs to be done in terms of adequately preparing the systems.
Referring to the measures that were taken in the recent past to avoid flooding, the Minister said that the “most painful decision that I have had to make from time to time is to give the go-ahead to release water via the Maduni/Lama” sluices overtime, it leads to flooding and discomfort for residents.
Within the next few days, the country will also be facing the highest spring tide for the year which is expected to touch 3.35 meters.
The Minister further noted that the expected spring tide so soon after the La Nina phenomenon will be the highest for the year at 3.35 meters. With regards to flash flooding, Minister Persaud informed that most of the regions have reported that the flash flooding situation is over. However, the situation could be completely over within the next 12 hours once the current weather condition holds.
He further stated that the situation remains manageable in the Mahaicony area where the Ministry is working closely with farmers and other stakeholders.
The Agriculture Minister also announced that based on assessment only about 60 acres of rice in the Mahaica area were lost although there are some acreages that remain exposed and under threat.
With regards to sugar, harvesting resumed today after one week due to the weather conditions.
However, there has been no report of cultivation being affected by floods and no reports of loss of sugar cane.
There has also been minimum disruption in terms of other crops but the survey to assess damage is continuing even as the Ministry continues to monitor the mortality rate of animals and livestock in the Mahaicony/Abary area. Around 70 animals reportedly died.